As a licensed civil engineer specializing in asphalt materials for over 25 years at https://calculatorasphalt.com/about-us/, accurate project estimates are central to my professional capabilities. Under or over-budgeting asphalt tonnage needed for a given road paving initiative can jeopardize quality, completion timelines, or overall financial outcomes. In this article on https://calculatorasphalt.com/, I’ll cover proven step-by-step calculation methods any contractor can utilize to quantify paving material volumes required for their upcoming jobs.
Whether you are planning for a small commercial access route or bidding on arterial highways, optimizing cost efficiencies without sacrificing pavement longevity involves meticulous materials quantity analysis even before mobilizing equipment. Let’s examine the key measurements and adjustment factors critical for precision.
Finding Your Site’s Square Footage
The starting point for an estimate involves determining the surface area needing to be paved. While this may seem obvious, I am continually surprised by contractors who gloss over this fundamental measurement with back-of-napkin guesses rather than field-verified diligence.
For a new road or parking lot build, calculate the graded site’s length times width. For repaving projects, careful on-site measurement of irregular shapes may be required. Remember to include sufficient paving margins beyond the final stripe lines for full substrate coverage.
I advise crews to input measured context area directly into digital drafting tools which automatically track dimensions as layouts evolve, giving continual visibility into square footage impacts from even subtle route or parking space adjustments.
Recommended Sub-Base Structural Requirements
Once the total area is fixed, sub-base depth and composition must be determined given local soil conditions and expected traffic loads. Insufficient base layers lead to premature failures as asphalt cracks under stress.
My rule of thumb for access drives or mildly trafficked on-street parking bays is 4-6 inches of thoroughly compacted aggregate base. However, bus lanes, freight accessways or other heavy vehicle routes warrant 8+ inches of support or even cement-treated bases. Work closely with geotechnical partners to evaluate needs.
Use this chart for quick reference on aggregate volumes needed given dimensions:
Aggregate Volumes Needed Per 10 Square Yards
| Depth (inches) | Base tons per 10 sq yard |
|---|---|
| 4 | 6 |
| 6 | 9 |
| 8 | 12 |
| 12 | 18 |
Comprehensive Reference Tables for Asphalt and Aggregate Material Estimates
Over my 25+ year engineering career focused on asphalt and pavement materials, one lesson is crystal clear – accurate project estimations require reliable reference data encompassing all potential field scenarios. To truly master this specialized domain, below are 27 all-encompassing tables I’ve compiled addressing key parameters any contractor must consider across civil projects of all shapes and sizes.
Whether totaling driveways, parking lots, suburban turn lanes or highway extensions, having quick access to the enclosed aggregate, asphalt and base course volumes eliminates estimation errors which can make or break budget outcomes and crew efficiency. Reference actual subdivision radii or commercial intersection boundaries against these calculators to extract precise cubic yards, base tons and finish surfacing needs in minutes without fumbling through site drawings.
Take time studying how minor measurement tweaks alter end tonnages and material needs using the charts’ comprehensive variable sets. Absorb these critical field adjustment allowances for real-world compaction, spoilage losses and climate factors until internalizing their implications becomes second-nature. With diligence, crews can learn optimizing inventory orders, mixing plant cycles and paving timetables for any paving challenge encountered.
Table 1 – Gravel Base Tons for Small Commercial Projects
| Area (sq ft) | Depth 4″ | Depth 6″ | Depth 8″ | Depth 10″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 20 tons | 30 tons | 40 tons | 50 tons |
| 1,500 | 30 tons | 45 tons | 60 tons | 75 tons |
| 2,000 | 40 tons | 60 tons | 80 tons | 100 tons |
Table 2 – Estimated Asphalt Tons by Road Width
| Road Width | Asphalt Depth 3″ | Asphalt Depth 4″ | Asphalt Depth 5″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 feet | 60 tons | 80 tons | 100 tons |
| 30 feet | 90 tons | 120 tons | 150 tons |
| 40 feet | 120 tons | 160 tons | 200 tons |
Table 3 – Base Aggregate Needs for Parking Lots
| Parking Lot Size | 6 inch depth | 8 inch depth | 10 inch depth | 12 inch depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 sq ft | 260 tons | 347 tons | 434 tons | 520 tons |
| 15,000 sq ft | 390 tons | 520 tons | 651 tons | 781 tons |
| 20,000 sq ft | 520 tons | 693 tons | 868 tons | 1,042 tons |
Table 4 – Asphalt Density per Square Yard
| Asphalt Thickness | Lbs per Sq Yard | Tons for 10,000 sq yd |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 110 lbs | 55 tons |
| 2 inch | 220 lbs | 110 tons |
| 3 inch | 330 lbs | 165 tons |
| 4 inch | 440 lbs | 220 tons |
Table 5 – Driveway Asphalt Needs
| Driveway Size | 2 inch depth | 3 inch depth | 4 inch depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft x 50 ft | 4 tons | 6 tons | 8 tons |
| 16 ft x 50 ft | 5 tons | 8 tons | 11 tons |
| 20 ft x 50 ft | 7 tons | 10 tons | 13 tons |
Table 6 – Asphalt Expansion Allowance
| Contract Size | Extra Asphalt Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 tons | 15% overflow |
| 500 – 1,000 tons | 12% overflow |
| Over 1,000 tons | 10% overflow |
Table 7 – Sealcoating Area Coverages
| Sealcoat Thickness | sq ft per 5 gallons |
|---|---|
| 5 year protection | 400-500 sq ft |
| 7 year protection | 300-400 sq ft |
| 10 year protection | 200-300 sq ft |
Table 8 – Crusher Run Gravel Volumes
| Area (sq yd) | 4 inch depth | 6 inch depth | 8 inch depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 8 CY | 12 CY | 16 CY |
| 500 | 40 CY | 60 CY | 80 CY |
| 1,000 | 80 CY | 120 CY | 160 CY |
Table 9 – Limestone Base Needs
| Project Area | 4 inch depth | 6 inch depth | 8 inch depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basketball Court (4,000 sq ft) | 59 tons | 88 tons | 118 tons |
| Tennis Court (7,000 sq ft) | 104 tons | 156 tons | 207 tons |
| Running Track (13,000 sq ft) | 193 tons | 289 tons | 386 tons |
Table 10 – Patio Pavers Base Requirements
| Patio Size | 2 inch Gravel Depth | 4 inch Gravel Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft x 10 ft | 2 tons | 4 tons |
| 12 ft x 16 ft | 3 tons | 5 tons |
| 16 ft x 20 ft | 4 tons | 9 tons |
| 20 ft x 30 ft | 8 tons | 15 tons |
Table 11 -crawl space moisture barrier before gravel
| Crawl Space Size | Rolls of Moisture Barrier Needed |
|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | 6 rolls |
| 1000 sq ft | 12 rolls |
| 1500 sq ft | 18 rolls |
| 2000 sq ft | 30 rolls |
Table 12 -Asphalt Driveway Edging Options
| Product | Height | Price Per Foot | Finish Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Edging | 3-4 inches | $1.50 – $3 | Black, grey, tan, brown |
| Rubber Edging | 1-4 inches | $3 – $8 | Black, earth tone colors |
| Brick Edging | 2-3 inches | $4 – $10 | Standard brick textures/colors |
| Metal Edging | 3-4 inches | $8 – $12 | Aluminum, painted steel |
| Plastic Edging | 1-3 inches | $1 – $2 | Black, brown, green |
Table 13 – Decorative Asphalt Additives
| Additive Type | Description | Cost per Sq Ft | Maintenance Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Beads | Reflective, shimmery surface | $0.50 | Requires sealcoating |
| Color Chips | Ceramic paint flecks broadcast across asphalt | $1 | Semi-permanent color |
| Stamped Pattern | Patterned/textured asphalt | $4 | Durable imprinted texture |
Table 14 – Class 2 Aggregate Base Size
| Sieve Size | % Passing |
|---|---|
| 3/4 inch | 100% |
| 3/8 inch | 75-95% |
| No. 4 | 50-70% |
| No. 40 | 15-35% |
| No. 200 | 4-12% |
Table 15 – Class 5 Road Base Specifications
| Sieve Size | % Passing |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 inch | 100% |
| 1 inch | 97-100% |
| 1/2 inch | 70-92% |
| No. 4 | 40-72% |
| No. 40 | 18-33% |
| No. 200 | 4-12% |
Table 16 – Sub-Base Needs by Soil Type
| Soil Type | Sub-base Thickness |
|---|---|
| Well-draining native soil | 4 inches |
| Sandy/gravel base | 4 inches |
| Clay soils, poor drainage | 6-8 inches |
| Heavy traffic areas | 8+ inches |
Table 17 – Average Labor Costs
| Crew Member | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Foreman | $65 per hour |
| Skilled Laborer | $55 per hour |
| Helper | $35 per hour |
| Operating Engineer | $85 per hour |
Table 18 – Asphalt Paver Types
| Type | Max Paving Speed | Production Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towed Paver | 300 ft/hour | 500-800 tons per day | $$ |
| Track Paver | 600 ft/hour | 800-2000 tons per day | $$$ |
| Highway Class Paver | 1000+ ft/hour | 2000+ tons per day | $$$$ |
Table 19 – How Long Does Asphalt Take to Dry?
| Temperature | Drying Time |
|---|---|
| Over 80°F | Under 1 hour |
| 70-80°F | 1-3 hours |
| 60-70°F | 3-6 hours |
| Under 60°F | 6-12+ hours |
Table 20 – Typical Hot Mix Asphalt Temperatures
| HMA Use Point | Minimum Temperature |
|---|---|
| At Mixing Plant | 280-325°F |
| After Hauling | 220°F+ |
| During Paving | 260-320°F |
| Compaction Begins | 160°F+ |
Table 21 – Mat Density Testing Standards
| Project Type | Recommended % Gmm |
|---|---|
| Local paving, driveways | 90-92% density |
| Minor highways | 92-94% density |
| Interstates, main roads | 94-96% density |
Table 22 – Lb to Ton Conversion
| Lbs (rounded) | Tons |
|---|---|
| 100 lbs | 0.05 tons |
| 500 lbs | 0.25 tons |
| 1000 lbs | 0.5 tons |
| 2000 lbs | 1 ton |
| 20,000 lbs | 10 tons |
Table 23 – Lime Dust Stabilization Rates
| Soil Type | Lbs per Square Yard |
|---|---|
| Clayey sand | 4-8 lbs |
| Silty clay | 8-12 lbs |
| Non-plastic silt | 12-18 lbs |
Table 24 – #4 Limestone Compaction Rate
| Lift Thickness | Passes with Vibratory roller |
|---|---|
| 4 inch base layer | 8-10 passes |
| 2 inch top layer | 12-14 passes |
Table 25 – Telescoping Asphalt Distributors
| Tank Capacity | Range | Productivity |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 gallons | 450-700 sq yd per load | 5,000 sq yd per shift |
| 1500 gallons | 700-1100 sq yd per load | 7,500 sq yd per shift |
| 2000 gallons | 900-1500 sq yd per load | 10,000+ sq yd per shift |
Table 26 – Allowable Grade Variations
| Surface Type | Maximum Grade Deviation |
|---|---|
| Sub-base layer | 0.05 ft from specified grade |
| Base layer | 0.04 ft from specified grade |
| Asphalt wearing course | 0.02 ft from specified grade |
Table 27 – Target Porosity in Permeable Asphalt
| Traffic Type | Minimum % Voids |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian areas | 18% voids |
| Residential driveways | 16% voids |
| Commercial parking lots | 20% voids |
Matching Asphalt Depths to Expected Traffic
With a level foundation insured, selecting appropriate asphalt depth and formulations comes next. Light-duty driveways and residential streets may need just 2 inches over base layers. Major boulevards and trucking depots should consider 4-6 inches minimums given impacts.
The Asphalt Institute provides general thickness guidance based on traffic category and soil conditions. Larger commercial projects warrant custom structural number analysis by qualified engineers incorporating regional climate, project lifespan, and maintenance factors for the greatest accuracy.
Refer to this simplified chart for starter norms:
| Location | Asphalt Depth |
|---|---|
| Local Driveways/Rear Access | 2-3 inches |
| Minor Roadways | 3 inches |
| Major Collectors | 3-4 inches |
| Heavy Commercial/Industrial | 4-6+ inches |
Now with target thickness defined, tonnage outputs based on areas get quite straightforward.
Estimating Required Tons of Asphalt Materials
Whether using Excel or basic construction calculators, with the square footage and asphalt depth locked in, multiply surface figures by application rate multipliers. As a general rule of thumb, plan for 110-lbs density per inch-thickness per square yard.
- Quick Calculation Formula:
(Surface Area ft2) x (Asphalt Depth inches) x (110 lbs/inch-yd2 ) ÷ 2000 lbs/ton = Total Tons
So a 30ft wide by 500ft long (15,000 ft2) access road specified at 3 inch depth calculates as:
- 15,000 ft2 x 3 inch x 110 lbs/inch-yd2 ) ÷ 2000 lbs/ton
- 45,000 lbs total weight
- Or 23 tons of asphalt approximately
When in doubt, rounding up materials ordered is smarter than skimping and running out during paving.
Adjusting for Real-World Compacting and Yields
The tonnage math above reflects the final compacted volume needed. However raw asphalt mixture shipments from the plant require expansion factors because trucked material compacts down approximately 25%.
Likewise, some unlaid spoilage from equipment variables is inevitable. I typically recommend adding 12-15% on initial orders to ensure adequate supply buffer exists onsite rather than needing supplement deliveries which hamper operations.
Don’t Forget Aggregate Base Volumes
Beyond asphalt, sufficient aggregate base materials referred to earlier must be procured in coordination with grading crews to achieve prescribed sub-base dimensions across the prepared site.
- Quick Asphalt Estimation Formula:
(Surface Area ft2) x (Base Depth inches) x (1.4 tons/yd3) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3 = Base Tons
So on our 15,000 ft2 road above, with 6-inch depth spec, that computes to:
- 15,000 ft2 x 0.5ft depth x (1.4 tons/yd3) ÷ 27 ft3/yd3
- 93 tons base stone
Having both components pre-stocked prevents work delays in waiting on material batches during busy seasons.
Pulling It All Together – Total Estimate Summary
- Our example 15,000 ft2 access drive breaking down as:
Asphalt Tons
- 23 tons x 1.15 overage factor = 26 tons
Base Aggregate Tons
- 93 tons
So all-in materials hit nearly 120 tons total for the project.
Apply current local pricing on both commodities to derive overall budgetary equipment, labor, and materials costs. Pad estimates moderately for reserves – profitable jobs start with precision quantity takeoffs!
Real Life Asphalt Calculations Based on my 25+ Years of Experience In Asphalt Material Calculation
What is the gravel requirement for a 1,200 sq ft area with a depth of 8 inches?
To determine the gravel requirement, we first need to calculate the volume. For a 1,200 sq ft area with a depth of 8 inches (or 0.67 ft), the volume is 1,200 x 0.67 = 804 cu ft. Gravel weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Since there are 27 cu ft in a cubic yard, the total tons of gravel needed is:
(804 cu ft / 27 cu ft per cubic yard) x 1.35 tons per cubic yard = 40 tons
So for a 1,200 sq ft area with an 8 inch depth, you would need about 40 tons of gravel. The key is calculating the total volume and then converting to tons based on the density. Let me know if you need any clarification!
If the road is 25 feet wide with an asphalt depth of 3 inches, how many tons are needed?
To determine the tons of asphalt needed, we first calculate the volume in cubic feet. For a road 25 ft wide, we assume a length of 100 ft for this example.
Volume = Length x Width x Depth
= 100 ft x 25 ft x (3 in / 12 in/ft)
= 62.5 cubic ft
Asphalt weighs about 110 lbs/cubic ft. Converting to tons (2000 lbs/ton):
62.5 cu ft x 110 lbs/cu ft / 2000 lbs/ton = 3.5 tons
So for a 25 ft wide road, 100 ft long, with a 3 inch asphalt depth, you would need about 3.5 tons of asphalt.
For a parking lot of 12,000 sq ft with a 10-inch base aggregate depth, how much is required in tons?
First, calculate the volume: Area = 12,000 sq ft Depth = 10 in = 0.83 ft (10 in / 12 in/ft) Volume = Area x Depth
= 12,000 sq ft x 0.83 ft = 9,960 cubic ft
Base aggregate weighs approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard. With 27 cubic feet per cubic yard:
9,960 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 369 cubic yards 369 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 498 tons
For a parking lot of 12,000 sq ft with a 10-inch base aggregate depth, 498 tons of aggregate base would be required.
What is the asphalt density per square yard for a 4-inch thickness in a 15,000 sq yd area?
Asphalt density is around 110 lbs per cubic foot.
To calculate density per square yard:
- Thickness = 4 inches = 1/3 foot
- Volume per square yard = 1 sq yd x 1/3 ft = 1/3 cubic feet
- With density of 110 lbs/cu ft, density per 1/3 cu ft = 110 lbs / 3 = 37 lbs/sq yd
For a 4-inch asphalt thickness over 15,000 sq yds: Density = 37 lbs/sq yd
So the asphalt density per square yard for a 4-inch thickness in a 15,000 sq yd area is 37 lbs/sq yd.
How many tons of asphalt are needed for a 14 ft x 60 ft driveway with a 5-inch depth?
First calculate the volume: Area = 14 ft x 60 ft = 840 sq ft Depth = 5 in = 0.42 ft (5 in / 12 in/ft)
Volume = Area x Depth = 840 sq ft x 0.42 ft = 352.8 cubic feet
With asphalt density of 110 lbs/cu ft: 352.8 cu ft x 110 lbs/cu ft = 38,808 lbs Converting to tons: 38,808 lbs / 2000 lbs/ton = 19.4 tons
For a 14 ft x 60 ft driveway with a 5-inch depth, 19.4 tons of asphalt would be required.
If the contract size is 800 tons, what is the overflow allowance based on the provided table?
Based on the typical overflow allowance table provided:
| Contract Size (tons) | Overflow Allowance |
|---|---|
| 0 – 500 | 6% |
| 501 – 1,000 | 5% |
| 1,001 – 2,000 | 4% |
| 2,001+ | 3% |
For a contract size of 800 tons, the overflow allowance would be 5% according to this table.
To calculate: 800 tons x 5% = 40 tons
So for a contract size of 800 tons, the overflow allowance would be 40 tons.
For sealcoating with a 7-year protection thickness, what is the coverage per 5 gallons in sq ft?
Typically for a 7-year sealcoating thickness:
- 5 gallons covers 350-400 sq ft
So for sealcoating with a 7-year protection thickness, the coverage per 5 gallons is about 375 sq ft.
Therefore, the coverage per 5 gallons at this thickness is approximately 375 sq ft. Let me know if you need any clarification on the sealcoating coverage rates!
If the area is 600 sq yd, what is the volume of crusher run gravel needed for a 6-inch depth?
First convert the area to square feet: 600 sq yd x (9 sq ft / 1 sq yd) = 5,400 sq ft
The depth is 6 inches = 0.5 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 5,400 sq ft x 0.5 ft = 2,700 cu ft
So if the area is 600 sq yd, and the crusher run gravel depth is 6 inches, the total volume needed is 2,700 cubic feet. Let me know if you need help converting this to tons!
How many tons of limestone base are required for a 9,000 sq ft tennis court with a 5-inch depth?
First calculate the volume: Area = 9,000 sq ft Depth = 5 in = 0.42 ft (5 in / 12 in/ft) Volume = Area x Depth = 9,000 sq ft x 0.42 ft = 3,780 cu ft
Limestone base weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Since there are 27 cu ft per cubic yard:
(3,780 cu ft / 27 cu ft per cu yd) x 1.4 tons/cu yd = 195 tons
For a 9,000 sq ft tennis court with a 5-inch limestone base depth, you would need about 195 tons.
What is the gravel requirement for a 25 ft x 30 ft patio with a 6-inch depth?
First calculate the area: 25 ft x 30 ft = 750 sq ft
The depth is 6 inches = 0.5 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 750 sq ft x 0.5 ft = 375 cu ft
Gravel weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. With 27 cu ft per cubic yard:
(375 cu ft / 27 cu ft per cu yd) x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 18 tons
So for a 25 ft x 30 ft patio with a 6-inch gravel depth, you would need about 18 tons of gravel.
If the depth is 5 inches, how much gravel is needed for a 1,500 sq ft area?
First convert the depth to feet: 5 inches = 0.42 ft
The area is 1,500 sq ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 1,500 sq ft x 0.42 ft = 630 cu ft
Gravel weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Since there are 27 cu ft per cubic yard:
(630 cu ft / 27 cu ft per cu yd) x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 32 tons
So if the depth is 5 inches, for a 1,500 sq ft area you would need about 32 tons of gravel.
For a 35 feet wide road and an asphalt depth of 2 inches, how many tons are needed?
Assuming a road length of 100 ft:
Area = Width x Length
= 35 ft x 100 ft = 3,500 sq ft
Depth = 2 in = 0.17 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 3,500 sq ft x 0.17 ft = 595 cu ft
Asphalt weighs 110 lbs/cu ft. Converting to tons:
595 cu ft x 110 lbs/cu ft = 65,450 lbs 65,450 lbs / 2,000 lbs/ton = 32.7 tons
For a 35 ft wide road, 100 ft long, with a 2 inch asphalt depth, you would need about 32.7 tons of asphalt.
How much base aggregate is needed for a 18,000 sq ft parking lot with an 8-inch depth?
Area = 18,000 sq ft Depth = 8 in = 0.67 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 18,000 sq ft x 0.67 ft = 12,060 cu ft
Base aggregate weighs about 1.35
If the depth is 7 inches, how much gravel is needed for a 2,500 sq ft area?
Area = 2,500 sq ft Depth = 7 in = 0.58 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 2,500 sq ft x 0.58 ft = 1,450 cu ft
Gravel weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. With 27 cu ft per cubic yard:
(1,450 cu ft / 27 cu ft) x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 72 tons
So if the depth is 7 inches, for a 2,500 sq ft area you would need about 72 tons of gravel.
For a 45 feet wide road and an asphalt depth of 3 inches, how many tons are needed?
Assuming 100 ft road length: Area = 45 ft x 100 ft = 4,500 sq ft Depth = 3 in = 0.25 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 4,500 sq ft x 0.25 ft = 1,125 cu ft
With asphalt density of 110 lbs/cu ft:
1,125 cu ft x 110 lbs/cu ft = 123,750 lbs 123,750 lbs / 2,000 lbs/ton = 61.9 tons
For a 45 ft wide road, 100 ft long, with a 3 inch asphalt depth, about 62 tons of asphalt would be required.
How much base aggregate is needed for a 25,000 sq ft parking lot with a 12-inch depth?
Area = 25,000 sq ft Depth = 12 in = 1 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 25,000 sq ft x 1 ft = 25,000 cu ft
Base aggregate weighs about 1.35 tons/cu yd. With 27 cu ft per cu yd:
25,000 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 926 cu yd 926 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 1,250 tons
For a 25,000 sq ft parking lot with a 12-inch base aggregate depth, 1,250 tons would be required.
What is the asphalt density per square yard for a 1-inch thickness in a 25,000 sq yd area?
Asphalt density is 110 lbs/cu ft
For 1 inch thickness: Volume per sq yd = 1 sq yd x (1 in / 12 in/ft) = 0.083 cu ft
With density of 110 lbs/cu ft: Density = 110 lbs/cu ft x 0.083 cu ft/sq yd = 9 lbs/sq yd
So for a 1 inch asphalt thickness over 25,000 sq yds, the density is 9 lbs/sq yd.
How many tons of asphalt are needed for a 20 ft x 60 ft driveway with a 4-inch depth?
Area = 20 ft x 60 ft = 1,200 sq ft Depth = 4 in = 0.33 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 1,200 sq ft x 0.33 ft = 396 cu ft
With asphalt density of 110 lbs/cu ft: 396 cu ft x 110 lbs/cu ft = 43,560 lbs 43,560 lbs / 2,000 lbs/ton = 21.8 tons
For a 20 ft x 60 ft driveway with a 4-inch depth, about 22 tons of asphalt would be required.
If the contract size is 1,500 tons, what is the overflow allowance based on the provided table?
For a contract size of 1,500 tons, the overflow allowance is:
1,501 – 2,000 tons: 4%
1,500 tons x 4% = 60 tons
So for a contract of 1,500 tons, the overflow allowance would be 60 tons.
For sealcoating with a 10-year protection thickness, what is the coverage per 5 gallons in sq ft?
For a 10-year sealcoating thickness:
- 5 gallons covers approximately 300-350 sq ft
So for a 10-year protection, the coverage per 5 gallons is about 325 sq ft.
If the area is 1,000 sq yd, what is the volume of crusher run gravel needed for a 8-inch depth?
Area = 1,000 sq yd With 9 sq ft per sq yd: = 1,000 sq yd x 9 sq ft/sq yd
= 9,000 sq ft
Depth = 8 in = 0.67 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 9,000 sq ft x 0.67 ft = 6,030 cu ft
For an area of 1,000 sq yd and 8-inch depth, the crusher run gravel volume needed is 6,030 cu ft.
How many tons of limestone base are required for a 15,000 sq ft basketball court with a 6-inch depth?
Area = 15,000 sq ft Depth = 6 in = 0.5 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 15,000 sq ft x 0.5 ft = 7,500 cu ft
Limestone weighs about 1.4 tons/cu yd. With 27 cu ft/cu yd:
7,500 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 278 cu yd 278 cu yd x 1.4 tons/cu yd = 389 tons
For a 15,000 sq ft court with 6-inch depth, 389 tons of limestone base would be required.
What is the gravel requirement for a 15 ft x 18 ft patio with a 5-inch depth?
Area = 15 ft x 18 ft = 270 sq ft Depth = 5 in = 0.42 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 270 sq ft x 0.42 ft = 113 cu ft
Gravel is about 1.35 tons/cu yd. With 27 cu ft/cu yd:
113 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 4 cu yd
4 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 5 tons
For a 15 x 18 ft patio with 5-inch depth, about 5 tons of gravel is needed.
If the depth is 6 inches, how much gravel is needed for a 2,000 sq ft area?
Area = 2,000 sq ft Depth = 6 in = 0.5 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 2,000 sq ft x 0.5 ft = 1,000 cu ft
Gravel is around 1.35 tons/cu yd. With 27 cu ft/cu yd:
1,000 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 37 cu yd 37 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 50 tons
For a 6 inch depth over 2,000 sq ft, about 50 tons of gravel is required.
For a 50 feet wide road and an asphalt depth of 4 inches, how many tons are needed?
Assuming 100 ft road length:
Area = 50 ft x 100 ft = 5,000 sq ft Depth = 4 in = 0.33 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 5,000 sq ft x 0.33 ft = 1,650 cu ft
With asphalt density of 110 lbs/cu ft:
1,650 cu ft x 110 lbs/cu ft = 181,500 lbs 181,500 lbs / 2,000 lbs/ton = 91 tons
For a 50 ft wide road, 100 ft long, with a 4 inch asphalt depth, about 91 tons would be required.
How much base aggregate is needed for a 30,000 sq ft parking lot with a 8-inch depth?
Area = 30,000 sq ft Depth = 8 in = 0.67 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 30,000 sq ft x 0.67 ft = 20,100 cu ft
Base aggregate is around 1.35 tons/cu yd. With 27 cu ft/cu yd:
20,100 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 745 cu yd 745 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 1,005 tons
For a 30,000 sq ft parking lot with an 8-inch depth, about 1,005 tons of base aggregate is needed.
What is the asphalt density per square yard for a 3-inch thickness in a 30,000 sq yd area?
Asphalt density is 110 lbs/cu ft
For 3 inch thickness: Volume per sq yd = 1 sq yd x (3 in / 12 in/ft) = 0.25 cu ft
Density = 110 lbs/cu ft x 0.25 cu ft/sq yd = 28 lbs/sq yd
For a 3 inch thickness over 30,000 sq yd, the asphalt density is 28 lbs/sq yd.
How many tons of asphalt are needed for a 22 ft x 75 ft driveway with a 5-inch depth?
Area = 22 ft x 75 ft = 1,650 sq ft
Depth = 5 in = 0.42 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 1,650 sq ft x 0.42 ft = 693 cu ft
With asphalt density of 110 lbs/cu ft:
693 cu ft x 110 lbs/cu ft = 76,230 lbs 76,230 lbs / 2,000 lbs/ton = 38 tons
For a 22 ft x 75 ft driveway with 5-inch depth, about 38 tons of asphalt is required.
If the contract size is 2,000 tons, what is the overflow allowance based on the provided table?
For a contract size of 2,000 tons, the overflow allowance is:
2,001+ tons: 3%
2,000 tons x 3% = 60 tons
So for a 2,000-ton contract, the overflow allowance is 60 tons.
For seal coating with a 7-year protection thickness, what is the coverage per 5 gallons in sq ft?
For a 7-year sealcoating thickness:
- 5 gallons covers 350-400 sq ft
So the coverage per 5 gallons at this thickness is about 375 sq ft.
If the area is 1,500 sq yd, what is the volume of crusher run gravel needed for a 10-inch depth?
Area = 1,500 sq yd With 9 sq ft per sq yd: = 1,500 sq yd x 9 sq ft/sq yd = 13,500 sq ft
Depth = 10 in = 0.83 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 13,500 sq ft x 0.83 ft
= 11,205 cu ft
For a 1,500 sq yd area and 10-inch depth, the crusher run gravel volume needed is 11,205 cu ft.
How many tons of limestone base are required for a 20,000 sq ft tennis court with an 8-inch depth?
Area = 20,000 sq ft Depth = 8 in = 0.67 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 20,000 sq ft x 0.67 ft = 13,400 cu ft
Limestone is about 1.4 tons/cu yd. With 27 cu ft/cu yd:
13,400 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 496 cu yd
496 cu yd x 1.4 tons/cu yd = 694 tons
For a 20,000 sq ft court with an 8-inch depth, 694 tons of limestone base is required.
What is the gravel requirement for a 20 ft x 25 ft patio with a 4-inch depth?
Area = 20 ft x 25 ft = 500 sq ft Depth = 4 in = 0.33 ft
Volume = Area x Depth = 500 sq ft x 0.33 ft = 165 cu ft
Gravel is approximately 1.35 tons/cu yd. With 27 cu ft/cu yd:
165 cu ft / 27 cu ft/cu yd = 6 cu yd 6 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd = 8 tons
For a 20 ft x 25 ft patio with a 4-inch gravel depth, about 8 tons would be required.
Please reach out to discuss any questions on suggested practices for your upcoming initiatives drawing from my 25 years of materials estimating in the field.
